Kill the Snapshot: Unmissable Advice for Wedding Photography
Hey, friends!
Okay, I admit it—I totally clickbaited you. But hey, you're here now, so let's talk about something that's been buzzing in my brain: the ever-evolving landscape of wedding photography.
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This isn’t just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about telling raw, real love stories and creating memories that punch you in the feels. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, there's always something fresh to learn and chat about. Every shot has the power to stir deep emotions and leave a mark. Let’s dig into something that's been bugging me and figure out how we can push the limits of our craft, staying true to our artistic vision and rebellious spirits.
The Shift in Wedding Photography Trends
Recently, I caught an episode of Julia & Gil's podcast. I don't usually listen, but when Gil and Andre Josselin speak, you pay attention. Their chats are always loaded with inspiring nuggets. In this episode, Gil said something that made me stop and think. Here’s a translated snippet of what he said:
"You are at the mercy of what's currently in demand. The wide-open aperture look with everything blurred in the background and a beautiful person in the foreground – that's what the social media bubble dictated as good. But now, I've heard multiple times, and it makes sense, that the iPhone aesthetic – everything in focus from front to back – is dictating that photographers close their aperture more. This is a huge shift in wedding photography. Weddings used to be all about focusing on the couple with a soft background. Now, it's about a closed aperture and a vertical, skewed composition. The iPhone-Instagram aesthetic is shaping photography.” – FOTOGRAFIE PODCAST VON JULIA × GIL: André Josselin: Alles über future*nostalgia
Hearing this made me stop and question my own approach to photography. My photography is all about intention and calm. I pick my apertures with purpose to create a more layered story. For instance, I shoot around f/4 for documentary shots to capture more detail, and then open up for portraits to get that dreamy bokeh effect.
I’ve seen photographers shoot wide open at f/1.4 all day, ignoring the background. Some nail it, but for many, it's just a way to blur out messy backgrounds and hide bad composition. Now, with the trend moving towards the iPhone aesthetic and closed apertures, those with bad composition at f/1.4 are going to struggle even more. This aesthetic might work for some, but for me, it’s a shortcut that sacrifices true artistry.
Challenging the iPhone-Instagram Aesthetic
This brings me to my beef with the iPhone-Instagram aesthetic. The defining features of this look include everything being in focus from front to back, vibrant and eye-catching colors, and often the use of symmetry and patterns to create visually appealing images. While I dig symmetry and patterns, the issue goes deeper.
The real problem is for photographers riding the "emotion beats perfection" wave, shooting wide open to blur out chaos. If this trend hits wedding photography, these folks are in trouble. With everything in focus, their bad compositions will be painfully clear. This might make the industry less competitive, but I genuinely want photographers to thrive and inspire them.
Even though I’m not into the "everything in focus" look—I prefer apertures that fit the story—it’s crucial for us to adapt and refine our skills. I’ve got some tips to help you navigate this shift and level up your compositions, no matter the trend. Let's raise the bar and keep pushing the boundaries of our craft together.
The Cinematic Vision
I’m all about horizontal photos. I’m heavily influenced by cinema, and honestly, just look at how our eyes are set up. Are we meant to look at tiny screens in portrait mode? Our vision is dictated by device ergonomics—designed to keep us glued, killing brain cells, and raking in ad dollars for app makers. That’s not how I see photography. For me, it's about capturing the world in a way that feels natural and immersive, much like the widescreen experience of a film.
I’m also pretty picky about compositions. I can’t stand slanted horizons and skewed lines. My goal is always to craft well-balanced, thoughtful compositions that tell a story.
Sure, the aspect ratio thing is about filling the Instagram screen to grab attention. But this trend also changes how we shoot, pushing photographers towards compositions that might not fit their natural vision. It’s crucial to recognize this influence and make sure our artistic choices stay intentional and true to our style.
In a world where vertical videos and photos rule, it’s easy to forget the power of a well-composed horizontal shot. Let’s not trade our artistry for convenience. Let’s keep creating captivating, immersive images, like the best scenes from our favorite films.
Emotion Meets Perfection
I've mentioned before how the mantra "emotion beats perfection" has shaped the wedding photography scene. Listening to the podcast brought this mantra back to mind. While the goal was to stress capturing genuine emotions, it inadvertently led some photographers to neglect technical excellence and composition.
Let’s be real—we’ve all seen the fallout. Some photographers took this as a free pass to ignore the basics of good photography—like framing, lighting, and focus—all in the name of capturing raw emotion. As photographers with an audience, we influence opinions and workflows, and sometimes, that influence leads to unintended consequences.
This whole “emotion beats perfection” thing? It’s become an excuse for some to churn out sloppy work. Don't get me wrong—emotion is crucial. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the craft. It’s about merging the two: capturing genuine, heart-stopping moments while also nailing the technical details. That’s where the magic happens.
We’ve got to remember that our work sets a standard. People coming into the industry look up to us, and if we compromise on quality, it trickles down. Let’s keep pushing each other to do better, to find that sweet spot where emotion and perfection meet. Because that’s where true artistry lives.
Pro Tips for Epic Wedding Shots
I recently chatted with my friend Christopher (you might remember him from the last newsletter). He said, "For you, it's more like Emotion meets Perfection." That struck a chord with me. It perfectly sums up my aspiration. I draw a ton of inspiration from movies, where every composition is intentional and meticulously planned. While I can’t shoot weddings exactly like a cinematographer, I strive to find the light, compositions, and moments that tell the story the way I see it.
Sometimes, these elements come together naturally, almost like muscle memory. Recognizing the conditions and knowing how to use them is part of the artistry in every shot.
Before I dive into some actionable tips for your wedding photography, I want to share a bit about a movie that deeply resonates with me every time I watch it: The Green Mile.
Reflecting on "The Green Mile"
I recently re-watched "The Green Mile," and every time, it hits me right in the feels. The story of John Coffey, the miraculous events on death row, and the profound human emotions intertwined throughout the film—it’s a masterclass in storytelling. The movie’s raw portrayal of pain, redemption, and the complexity of human nature reminds me why I picked up a camera in the first place.
One aspect that makes "The Green Mile" so powerful is the work of the Director of Photography (DOP), David Tattersall. His composition choices are nothing short of brilliant. With very few characters and limited locations, Tattersall crafts a visually compelling narrative that draws viewers into the emotional depth of the story.
Compositions and Cinematography:
- Minimalistic Yet Powerful: The film’s setting is largely confined to the death row cell block, yet the compositions are varied and dynamic. Tattersall uses the confined space to his advantage, creating an intimate atmosphere that heightens the emotional impact.
- Close-ups and Emotional Intensity: Close-up shots of characters allow us to see their raw emotions, making us feel connected to their experiences. The way Tattersall captures these moments is a lesson in how powerful close-up shots can be in conveying deep emotions.
- Lighting and Shadows: The use of lighting in "The Green Mile" is masterful. Tattersall employs shadows and light to create a dramatic and often somber mood, reinforcing the film’s themes. This is a great reminder of how lighting can transform a scene and evoke specific emotions.
- Natural Frames: Throughout the film, natural frames like the bars of the cell or the narrow hallways are used to great effect, adding layers to the composition and emphasizing the characters' confinement and isolation.
Check out the trailer for “The Green Mile” to get a sense of the film's emotional depth and visual storytelling.
It’s this kind of storytelling that I strive to bring into my photography. Just as "The Green Mile" takes you on an emotional journey, I aim to capture the essence of each couple’s love story in a way that’s genuine and impactful. The film’s ability to evoke such deep emotions inspires me to look beyond just capturing images. I want to create memories that stir the soul and tell a layered, meaningful story.
For a deeper look, watch this 10- minute compilation paying tribute to his Oscar-nominated performance.
Here are some distilled tips to help elevate your wedding photography:
Observe and Anticipate: Find your composition and wait to see if something happens in that frame. This ensures thoughtful compositions instead of a "spray and pray" approach.
Layer Your Story: Include elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background to add depth and context to your images. This technique adds richness and narrative to your photos.
Capture Genuine Moments: Be patient and ready to click at the right time. Weddings are full of such moments—laughter, tears, and quiet reflections.
Stay Invisible: Blend into the background to capture candid moments without disturbing the scene. This is crucial at weddings, where authenticity shines in unposed moments.
Focus on Light and Composition: Notice how light interacts with your subjects and surroundings. Good composition isn’t just about rules but understanding how elements in the frame interact to tell a story.
Embrace Imperfection: Sometimes the most powerful images come from imperfection. Don’t be afraid to capture raw, unfiltered emotions, even if the shot isn’t technically perfect.
Use Negative Space: Let your subjects breathe within the frame. This technique can highlight the subject’s isolation or focus attention on a particular scene element.
Get Close: Don’t be afraid to get close to your subjects to capture intimate, powerful moments.
Utilize Natural Frames: Look for windows, doorways, or other elements that can frame your subject and add layers to your composition.
Play with Shadows: Notice the shadows in your scene—they can add a powerful dynamic to your images.
Capture the Environment: Don’t just focus on the subject—capture the setting and context too.
Create Cinematic Frames: Use color, lighting, and framing to create a cinematic feel in your photos.
Know the Rules to Break Them: Rules like the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio are great starting points, but the magic happens when you know how to break them to create something unique.
By focusing on these techniques, you can elevate your wedding photography and create images that are both emotionally powerful and technically excellent. Let's keep pushing each other to find that perfect balance and continue telling amazing love stories through our lenses.
Reflect and Connect
I hope these tips inspire you to experiment and elevate your craft. Remember, photography is an ever-evolving journey, and it's the blend of technical skill and emotional storytelling that creates truly memorable images.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these techniques? Do you have your own tips or insights to share? Let's start a conversation. Feel free to reply to this email or connect with me on social media.
Mentoring Sessions
If you're looking for personalized guidance to take your photography to the next level, consider booking a mentoring session with me. Whether online or in person, these sessions are tailored to your specific needs and goals. We'll dive deep into your work, explore new techniques, and refine your unique style.
Online Mentoring: Perfect for those who prefer the flexibility of learning from home. We'll connect via video call, review your portfolio, and tackle any challenges you're facing.
In-Person Mentoring: For a more hands-on experience, join me for a one-on-one session. We'll shoot together, discuss your workflow, and focus on practical skills that will enhance your photography.
Stay Inspired
In the spirit of creativity and continuous learning, I'll leave you with a quote that resonates with me:
"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything." – Aaron Siskind
Let's keep capturing those little things that make life beautiful.
Until next time, keep creating, keep loving, and keep pushing the boundaries of your craft.
Warmest regards,
Björn